In addition to the H1N1 flu and MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus), there are other bugs to watch out for. Any disease, bacteria, virus, or germ that you might come in contact with can become problematic if the immune system is not at its peak working condition. You maintain your immune system by making sure that you are eating a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Another of the so-called super bugs, C. difficile (Clostridium difficile) is also becoming more common, especially in certain settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities. In some of these types of places, the infection can spread like wildfire. Because this is a stomach bug, the most common symptoms are mild diarrhea and cramping. If it is not caught and treated, however, the bug can progress to fever, nausea, and dehydration. In the most serious of cases, C. difficile can be fatal.
C. difficile and MRSA are both on the rise because of the increased use of antibiotics that are not really needed and other practices that may kill off the healthy and helpful bacteria instead of keeping them around to do their job. C. difficile is one of the few germs that is not killed by hand sanitizers, so it is important that you continue to use regular soap and water coupled with vigorous scrubbing, especially after going to a doctor’s office, a hospital, or a nursing home. The scrubbing motion has been shown to be about 98% effective at removing C. difficile from the skin. It is important to note that recent studies have shown that C. difficile can be found on one in five nurse’s uniforms, handrails, and waiting room tabletops. (Source: Farquhar 2010)
In addition to careful hand washing, it is important to disinfect the surfaces of your home if you might have been exposed to or diagnosed with C. difficile. The only cleaning product that can kill C. difficile effectively is bleach.
Hospital acquired infections, called nosocomial infections, kill up to 80,000 people each year. (Source: Bednash 2001) When most people come to a hospital, they are either ill or injured. Many of them will need surgery, which increases the potential entrance areas for germs- since most germs gain access to the body through the mucous membranes or through breaks in the skin. The more people that are coming in and out of your room, the more chances that germs will be brought into contact with you. It is important that you, or a trusted friend or family member, monitor the staff as they come in and out of your room – several recent studies have shown that hand washing is becoming more and more lax, despite the risks, the signs, and the repeated warnings about it.
Everyone that is going to come and check your vital signs, your IV or your dressings or do anything else that requires touching your body, your equipment, your bedside table, or your siderails should wash their hands as soon as they walk in the door. If they do not, it is well within your right as a patient to ask that they do so.
How the Immune System Works
The immune system is comprised of a number of cells that destroy what is perceived to be harmful or a threat. Foreign cells are called antigens. These cells are attacked by the body’s system, called the lymphocytes (small white blood cells.) The main immune cells are the B cells, T cells, and NK cells.
– B Cells: secrete antibodies but cannot penetrate a targeted antigen.
– T Cells: direct and regulate immune response, bind to target cells.
– NK Cells: natural killer cells, these will attack any targeted antigen.
– Phagocytes are large white cells that swallow and digest microbes.
(Source: Ammer, 2005)
Any illness, trauma, or injury can lead to an impaired immune system. For instance, in a burn victim, the threat of infection may be more serious than the original burn injury.
The Strong Immune System’s Need for Nutrition
The body needs three macronutrients (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) plus a number of micronutrients. These micronutrients serve a number of purposes, including serving as antioxidants which help the body to get rid of free radicals that are caused by a number of internal and external factors. These can include smoking, poor diet, overexposure to the sun, toxins, and pollution.
A strong and healthy body makes a strong and healthy immune system which is able to fight off some if not all of the super bugs, including C. difficile. While it is important to keep the body healthy with all of the required nutrients, it is equally important to note that protein is vital to the immune system because it is used to create a number of antibodies that white blood cells release to destroy the antigens.
But while protein is vital, it is potentially harmful to the body if it is increased too much, and in some cases it is not easily digested or absorbed, leading to discomfort at best and serious complications at worst. For most people, the healthy aim for protein should be about 20% of the daily calories, although the average diet falls just short of that number, getting to only about 14-18%. (Source: Mangels PhD, RD)
Athletes, who are at increased risk for staph infections, including the potential for the more serious MRSA, have a higher need for protein, which can go as high as 25-30% of their diet but should not go any higher than 35. This is a level that the American Heart Association suggests is the upper limit. Exact protein intake should be determined by a doctor or nutritionist who will decide based on a number of factors, including weight, age, sex, and activity level. Personal health condition and history will also be considered as a means of choosing the right level of protein.
Protein comes from two sources, plants and animals, and while most people are getting enough of it in their diet, they may not be getting the right kind. It is important that the protein source be one that is complete (has all eight essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own) and is lean, with no saturated fats and few calories. A good food source should also have other nutrients.
Profect is a liquid protein supplement from Protica and is a source of high quality, digestible protein (25 grams per serving) without a lot of calories (100 total). In addition to protein, each 2.9 ounce serving of Profect supplies 100% RDA of vitamin C and 50% of the vitamin B complex spectrum. In addition to the small 2.9 fluid ounce vial, Profect comes in a 50 gram size (two servings per bottle) and a 200 gram (ten servings per bottle) size. There are a number of flavors to choose from, including Blue Raspberry Swirl, Passion Fruit, Orange Pineapple, Ruby Melon Twist, Fuzzy Peach Nectar, Fresh Citrus Berry, Cool Melon Splash, and Grapefruit Mango.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein liquid for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright